Faculty Report

The start of 2024 has already seen our VCE VET and VCE VM students dive headfirst into their studies, embracing opportunities with a spirit of determination and actively shaping their academic journey.

There are currently over 400 students enrolled in an internal VCE VET subject delivered at the College, and over 60 students completing the VCE VM; the latter of which involves a one-day-a-week work placement and a one-day-a-week TAFE placement, where students complete an external VET course. These numbers reflect a shift towards practical and applied learning pathways, as well as a positive trend towards more diverse educational opportunities. The VCE VET and VCE VM offer our students a chance to gain valuable technical skills alongside their academic studies. They recognise the importance of hands-on learning and the need to cater for a variety of learning styles and needs.

Below, we have highlighted some of the key events involving our VCE VET and VCE VM students and their accomplishments as they continue to excel in their chosen fields.

St Kilda Mums

Tuesday February 13, 2024 

Our VCE VET Christian Ministry students had the opportunity to visit St. Kilda Mums for an excursion aimed at gaining insight into community service and the importance of supporting families in need. St. Kilda Mums is a not-for-profit organisation that rehomes new and pre-loved baby goods and nursery equipment to families in need. 

During their visit, our students actively engaged in various activities including sorting and organising donations, cleaning equipment, and preparing items for redistribution. They also had the chance to learn about the impact of St Kilda Mums’ work on the community and how simple acts of kindness can make a significant difference in the lives of others. The excursion provided our students with valuable hands-on experience allowing them to develop empathy, compassion, and a deeper understanding of the importance of community service. 

We were incredibly proud of our students for their enthusiasm and dedication during the visit and for their commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of others. We would like to thank Mr. Cristiano Grosso, Mr. Joshua Hunter, and Ms. Claire Russo for organising and facilitating this excursion. 

Camp

Monday February 26 to Tuesday February 27, 2024

Over two exciting days, the Year 12 VCE VM students attended camp at The Ranch in Boneo on the Mornington Peninsula. They had the opportunity to engage in a range of activities designed to build teamwork, resilience, and leaderships skills, in accordance with their studies within Personal Development Skills. 

One of the main highlights of the camp was mountainboarding, where our students learned to navigate the rugged terrain on a specially designed board. This thrilling activity challenged our students both physically and mentally, pushing them out of their comfort zones and encouraging them to embrace new experiences.

In addition, our students participated in a series of initiative-based tasks including an eight metre pamper pole and stacked crate climb, which required them to work together to solve complex problems. These activities helped to develop their communication skills, strategic thinking, and ability to collaborate effectively under pressure.

A key component of the camp was the Hawkes Farm Paddock to Plate session, where students gained valuable insights into sustainable farming practices and the journey of food from the farm to their homes. This session not only provided students with a greater appreciation for the food they eat, but also highlighted the importance of environmental stewardship and ethical food production. They also learnt about the need to continually diversify in order to run a successful agricultural venture that necessitates 100 hours of work per week. 

Overall, the Year 12 VCE VM camp at The Ranch was a tremendous success, providing our students with unforgettable experiences and valuable life skills that will serve them well in the future. We would like to thank Ms. Lydia St Ange for organising and facilitating this camp, and Mr. Ross Byrne and Mr. Anthony Rolfe for their assistance and support on camp. 

International Women’s Day Luncheon

Friday March 8, 2024

In honour of International Women’s Day, our Year 12 VCE VM students organised a special luncheon for staff, showcasing their culinary talents and celebrating female empowerment and the achievements of women in the world.

The students prepared a delicious spread of both sweet and savoury dishes, each one reflecting the diverse flavours and cultures represented in our school community. Every dish was a testament to their dedication and passion in cooking and supporting the cause. 

A feature of the luncheon was a heartfelt speech delivered to staff by Neeb Samuel Dayanidhi, who highlighted the significant contribution of women in his life. The speech resonated deeply with everyone in attendance, serving as a reminder of the progress made in achieving gender parity. 

The luncheon was not only a culinary success, but a meaningful tribute to the remarkable women in our lives. It was a wonderful opportunity for our students to come together, showcase their talents and celebrate the spirit of International Women’s Day. 

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Year 12 VCE VM students and Ms. Lydia St Ange for organising and facilitating such a memorable event, reminding us of the importance of honouring and celebrating the achievements of women every day. 

We eagerly anticipate the continued success of our VCE VET and VCE VM students and are excited to participate in future events in which they can showcase their achievements. 

Athena Beshir

Assistant Vocational Education Leader